Page 23 of Easter Daddy

No one touches my girl. No one but me.

All this time, I’ve been too wrapped up in how everyone will think about us, but I’m done. I’m fucking done.

Lily is mine and she will be for the rest of our lives. This is no infatuation or passing sexual attraction. She’s IT for me. She’s my life now and damn if I let anyone come between us.

After what I witnessed, I want her more than ever. Fuck the press. Fuck everyone. All I want is her. And I think I know how I’m going to get her.

I’m going to confess to my father, profess my love to her, and get his blessing. Even if I don’t, hopefully, she’ll see my effort and it will lift some of the reservations that she feels towards me now. That’s what I’m aiming for. It sounds stupid, but it’s the best I can come up with at a time like this. I’ve wasted too much time, and I no longer want to spend another moment without her by my side.

It’s no longer just MY future. It’s OUR future from here on out.

When I arrive at the house, I get out of the car and grab the bouquet of roses with me. Things are bound to get ugly in a few minutes, but I need her to know I’m in this for the long run.

I love her. I think I loved her the moment I first laid eyes on her and it’s only gotten stronger since. Absolutely infatuated with, captivated by, and in love with this girl.

Yes, I’m twice her age. Yes, she’s my stepsister. So fucking what.

I’ve gotten past that. I’m over it. I don’t care about the consequences as long as I get her. If this story breaks and every single investor pulls out of my company, I’m still set for life. I have more than enough in my bank accounts. I’ll find something to do, some work to occupy my time. And if my dad doesn’t like it, he’ll get over it one day.

I called to tell them I was coming over to talk to Lily. That it was a surprise so they shouldn’t tell her. My parents are expecting me, but she doesn’t know what I plan to do.

When my father opens the door and sees the roses, he raises one eyebrow at me.

“Li, what is this? What are you doing?” he asks. I wonder if it’s obvious that I’m going to do something I shouldn’t, if I’ll even get let into the house now. But just then, Lily appears behind him, peeking over his shoulder. She’s in pajamas, her hair messy, and I’ve never seen a more beautiful girl.

“Hey, Dad. Lily, I need to have a word with you,” I tell her.

“Um….”

“I love you,” I say, holding up the flowers so that she can see them, “and I’m sorry it took me this long to ask you to—”

“Liam, what the fuck are you doing?!” my dad shouts.

“Dad,” I say, “I love her.”

“Is this a joke?”

“No.”

“Get out,” he orders in a voice I haven’t heard in years. It’s the voice he would use when he grounded me. And even though he’s now old with salt-and-pepper hair and crow’s feet showing his age, I get flashbacks to that time when I was a teenager.

“No,” I respond. “I love her, and I know she loves me, too. We didn’t plan on falling for each other, Dad. We’re not even doing anything wrong because we’re not related by blood.”

“Liam….” It’s Lily who speaks this time, her voice soft and gentle. “Don’t throw your life away for me. Your reputation. Your relationship with your dad. Please.”

“You’re worth it,” I tell her. “You’re an adult. You can decide. I’ll take care of you, Lily. I’ll make you happy for the rest of our lives.”

Dad grabs me by the front of my shirt, and for an old man, he’s strong as hell. His vein pops out of his forehead, a muscle twitches in his jaw, and at that moment, I’m almost sure he’s going to have a stroke. And if he does, it would be my fault. Maybe this was a bad idea.

“I said. Get. Out.”

He releases me, and I nod my head.

“Okay,” I say, turning my back and heading back to the car. I didn’t even get to give her the flowers, but at least, we’re no longer hiding.

“And don’t come back until you can contain yourself around Lily.”

I hate that it hurt my father, that I hurt my father. But this thing with Lily is not something I just want to throw away. I can’t let her go. I won’t let her go. What we have is forever. I want her as my wife, the mother of my children, my better half.

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